U.S. patent application number 12/146091 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for decorative accessory.
Invention is credited to Aubren M. Johnson.
Application Number | 20090324880 12/146091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41447801 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090324880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Aubren M. |
December 31, 2009 |
DECORATIVE ACCESSORY
Abstract
A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage,
a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for
creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of
decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding
therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements
for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Aubren M.;
(Highland, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET, SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
41447801 |
Appl. No.: |
12/146091 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 25/08 20130101;
B32B 3/06 20130101; Y10T 428/24273 20150115; B32B 3/266 20130101;
B32B 27/306 20130101; B32B 3/02 20130101; B32B 2266/0221 20130101;
B32B 27/32 20130101; B32B 2250/22 20130101; B32B 25/045 20130101;
B32B 2307/402 20130101; B32B 27/065 20130101; B32B 27/304 20130101;
B32B 5/32 20130101; B32B 5/04 20130101; B32B 3/08 20130101; B32B
5/18 20130101; B32B 2451/00 20130101; B44C 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/131 |
International
Class: |
B32B 3/10 20060101
B32B003/10 |
Claims
1. A decorative accessory unit comprising: a body comprising a
generally planar material having edges defining a shape, the body
having front and rear surfaces; and at least two linking ends
protruding from the edges of the body, each linking end comprising
a stretchable material and having at least one connection aperture
passing therethrough, each connection aperture configured to
receive a connector.
2. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the body
includes an aperture configured to receive an ornament.
3. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the connector
is decorative.
4. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the linking ends is a loopable end.
5. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the linking
ends comprise a strap operatively coupled to the rear surface of
the body.
6. The decorative accessory unit of claim 5, wherein the strap
comprises at least two strap segments, each segment separately
coupled to the rear surface of the body.
7. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the linking
ends include a recessed connection aperture.
8. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the decorative
material comprises the same material as the stretchable
material.
9. The decorative accessory unit of claim 1, wherein the
stretchable material is EVA foam.
10. The decorative accessory unit of claim 2, wherein the aperture
in the body is generally centrally located relative to the
edges.
11. The decorative accessory unit of claim 2, wherein the ornament
comprises a charm having a decorative face and a post protruding
from a bottom surface of the decorative face, the post having a
wide base end.
12. A decorative accessory assemblage comprising: a plurality of
individual and separable decorative units, each unit comprising a
generally planar, decoratively-shaped body having front and rear
surfaces and at least two linking ends protruding from the body,
each linking end having at least one connection aperture passing
therethrough; and one or more connector elements linking each of
the individual decorative units to form the assemblage, each
connector element being installed within one or more of the
connection apertures of a first one of said decorative units and
one or more of the connection apertures of a second one of said
decorative units, such that the connector elements engage the
linking ends of the first and second decorative units.
13. The decorative accessory assemblage of claim 12, wherein the
body of the decorative units includes an aperture configured to
receive an ornament.
14. The decorative accessory assemblage of claim 12, wherein the
linking ends comprise a strap operatively coupled to the rear
surface of the body.
15. A kit for a personal accessory craft project comprising: a
plurality of decorative accessory units, each unit comprising a
generally planar body having front and rear surfaces and at least
two linking ends protruding from the body, each linking end having
at least one connection aperture passing therethrough; and a
plurality of connector elements installable within one or more of
the connection apertures of a first one of said decorative
accessory units and one or more of the connection apertures of a
second one of said decorative accessory units, such that the
connector elements engage the linking ends of the first and second
decorative accessory units thereby coupling successive units.
16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the included individual decorative
accessory units are interrelated under a common theme.
17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the common theme is a color based
theme.
18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the common theme is a
demographically oriented theme.
19. The kit of claim 16, wherein the included individual connector
elements share the common theme.
20. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of
ornaments.
21. The kit of claim 15, wherein the linking ends comprise a strap
operatively coupled to the rear surface of the body.
22. A method of creating a personal accessory comprising: providing
(i) a plurality of decorative accessory units, each decorative
accessory unit comprising a generally planar body having front and
rear surfaces and at least two linking ends protruding from the
body, each linking end having at least one connection aperture
passing therethrough, (ii) a plurality of decorative connector
elements, and (iii) at least one ornament; selecting at least one
of the decorative accessory units; selecting a number of decorative
connector elements, the number being at least as many connectors as
necessary to link the selected decorative elements; installing at
least one of the ornaments in at least one of the selected
decorative accessory units; aligning the connection apertures of
adjacent linking ends of successive decorative accessory units;
linking the successive decorative elements by installing one of the
selected decorative connector elements through the aligned
connection apertures; and repeating the aligning and linking steps
as necessary to link a desired number of decorative accessory units
together in a desired order.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:
providing a decorative accessory unit wherein at least one of the
linking ends is a loopable end; looping the loopable end such that
first and second connection apertures of the loopable end are
aligned; and installing at least one of the decorative connector
elements through the aligned connection apertures of the loopable
end, thereby forming a loop of the loopable end.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a decorative accessory unit including a body and at least
two linking ends. The body includes a generally planar material
having edges defining a shape and the body having front and rear
surfaces. The at least two linking ends protrude from the edges of
the body and each linking end includes a stretchable material
having at least one connection aperture passing therethrough, each
connection aperture configured to receive a connector.
[0002] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a decorative accessory assemblage including a plurality of
individual and separable decorative units and one or more connector
elements. Each unit includes a generally planar,
decoratively-shaped body having front and rear surfaces and at
least two linking ends protruding from the body, each linking end
having at least one connection aperture passing therethrough. The
one or more connector elements link each of the individual
decorative units to form the assemblage, each connector element
being installed within one or more of the connection apertures of a
first one of said decorative units and one or more of the
connection apertures of a second one of said decorative units, such
that the connector elements engage the linking ends of the first
and second decorative units.
[0003] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
provided a kit for a personal accessory craft project. The kit
includes a plurality of decorative accessory units and a plurality
of connector elements. Each unit includes a generally planar body
having front and rear surfaces and at least two linking ends
protruding from the body, each linking end having at least one
connection aperture passing therethrough. The plurality of
connector elements are installable within one or more of the
connection apertures of a first one of said decorative accessory
units and one or more of the connection apertures of a second one
of said decorative accessory units, such that the connector
elements engage the linking ends of the first and second decorative
accessory units thereby coupling successive units.
[0004] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of creating a personal accessory. The method
includes providing (i) a plurality of decorative accessory units,
each decorative accessory unit comprising a generally planar body
having front and rear surfaces and at least two linking ends
protruding from the body, each linking end having at least one
connection aperture passing therethrough, (ii) a plurality of
decorative connector elements, and (iii) at least one ornament;
selecting at least one of the decorative accessory units; and
selecting a number of decorative connector elements, the number
being at least as many connectors as necessary to link the selected
decorative elements. The method further includes installing at
least one of the ornaments in at least one of the selected
decorative accessory units; aligning the connection apertures of
adjacent linking ends of successive decorative accessory units;
linking the successive decorative elements by installing one of the
selected decorative connector elements through the aligned
connection apertures; and repeating the aligning and linking steps
as necessary to link a desired number of decorative accessory units
together in a desired order.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope
of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated)
and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in
the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention
will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended
drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative accessory
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a decorative accessory
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a decorative accessory
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 8A is perspective view of a decorative accessory unit
including a strap according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8B is a side plan view of a decorative accessory unit
including a strap according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8C is a side plan view of a decorative accessory unit
including a strap according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a decorative accessory unit
including a loopable end, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a decorative accessory unit
including a loopable end formed into a loop, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a decorative accessory
assemblage according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 10B is a side plan view of a decorative accessory
assemblage according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 11A is a top plan view of a linking end according to
some embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 11B is a side plan view of the linking end of FIG.
11A.
[0022] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of linking ends including
recessed apertures according to some embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended; any alterations and further modifications of the
described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications
of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to
which the invention relates.
[0024] As is shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of the invention include
a decorative accessory unit 100. The decorative accessory unit 100
includes a body 105 and at least two linking ends 110 protruding
from the edges of the body 105. In some embodiments, connectors
(such as those in FIGS. 4-7) can be installed through connection
apertures 120 in the linking ends 110 to couple two or more
decorative accessory units together to form a decorative accessory
assemblage 300 (see e.g. FIG. 10A).
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, the body 105 of the decorative
accessory unit 100 is generally planar with front and rear surfaces
and can include a variety of features. Most notably, the body 105
can comprise a variety of shapes. The embodiment of FIG. 1 can be
described as having a flower shape. Numerous other shapes can be
appropriate for decorative accessory units according to the
embodiments of the present invention. For example, the body 105 of
FIG. 2 is heart-shaped and the unit 100 of FIG. 3 has a circular
body 105. In some embodiments, the body includes an aperture 130
configured to receive an ornament. The aperture 130 can be
centrally located relative to the edges of the body 105 or
otherwise positioned. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 2,
includes an ornament 135 installed through the aperture. The
ornament 135 may have a flat surface or it may have a
three-dimensional surface as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, some
embodiments include a decorative design 140 of the body 105. The
design can be printed, etched, painted, or otherwise displayed on
one or more surfaces of the body 105. For example the decorative
accessory unit 100 of FIG. 3 includes a baseball stitch design 140
printed on its front surface. Also, various visually enhancing
elements such as glitter may be used for both the body 105 and the
connectors 200 which will be described hereinafter.
[0026] At least two linking ends 110 protrude from the body 105 of
decorative accessory units 100 according to the invention. In many
embodiments, the unit includes two linking ends positioned
diametrically opposite each other, however other arrangements and
numbers of linking ends are contemplated by the invention, for
example, there may be four linking ends, two from the sides, as
shown, and one from the top and one from the bottom. Each linking
end 110 is a generally planar extension formed of a stretchable
material and including one or more connection apertures 120.
Connection apertures 120 can be round (see e.g. FIG. 1), square
(see e.g. FIG. 2), a slit (see e.g. FIG. 3), or otherwise shaped,
so long as the connection aperture 120 is sized to appropriately
interact with a connector installed within as discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0027] In some embodiments, the body 105 and linking ends 110
comprise the same material. For example, the body 105 and linking
ends 110 can both comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
However, in certain embodiments the body 105 and linking ends 110
comprise different materials. In general, the body 105 comprises a
decorative material, such as an injectable soft plastic such as
LDPE or PVC. The linking ends 110 comprise a stretchable material
such as EVA foam or rubber.
[0028] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a decorative accessory
unit 100 according to embodiments of the invention including a
strap 145. Here, rather than having linking ends integrally formed
with or coupled to an edge or side of the body, the linking ends
110 comprise a strap 145 coupled to the rear of the body 105. Such
an arrangement may be appropriate where the strap and body comprise
different materials. FIGS. 8B and 8C show side plan views of
embodiments wherein the linking ends comprise a strap such as that
of FIG. 8A. In one (FIG. 8B) the strap 145 comprises a single
length of stretchable material operatively coupled to the rear of
the body 105. In such an arrangement, aperture 130 can extend
through both the body 105 and the strap 145. In the other (FIG. 8C)
the strap comprises at least two separate strap segments 150
separately coupled at different locations on the rear surface of
the body 105. For example, the strap segments 150 can be coupled
diametrically opposite one another relative to a centrally located
aperture 130.
[0029] FIGS. 9A and 9B show embodiments of decorative accessory
units 100 including a loopable end 155. In some embodiments, one or
more of the linking ends 110 can be a loopable end 155. Loopable
ends 155 are generally elongate linking ends having two or more
connection apertures 120', 120''. The first connection aperture
120' can be located close to the body 105 with the second 120''
located at a tip of the loopable end 155. FIG. 9B illustrates how a
loopable end can be used to create a loop 160 which can be used to
attach the decorative accessory unit 100 or a decorative accessory
assemblage including a unit having a loopable end to any number of
objects such as a back pack or a belt loop, for example. To create
the loop 160, the loopable end 155 has been folded so that the
first and second connection apertures 120', 120'' are aligned. A
connector 200, such as one of the connectors described below, has
been installed through the aligned connection apertures. A loopable
end 155 can be coupled with the body 105 in the same manner as the
linking ends discussed above. For example, a loopable end can be
integrally formed with the body (such as e.g. the linking ends of
FIG. 1), or can be coupled with a surface of the body (such as e.g.
the strap of FIGS. 8A-9C).
[0030] Some embodiments can include one or more linking ends having
a recessed connection aperture, such as the linking ends 110 shown
in FIGS. 11A-11C. In FIG. 11A, the operative end of a linking end
110 having a connection aperture 120 through a recessed surface 165
of the linking end 110. Here, the recessed surface 165 generally
defines a circular shape having a diameter larger than that of the
connection aperture 120, however other shapes are contemplated. The
plan view of FIG. 11B shows a profile view of the linking end 110
of FIG. 11A. Here, the recessed surface 165 is noticeable and a
ledge 170 defining the border between the recessed portion 165 and
the unrecessed portion 175 can be seen. From this view, it can be
seen that the recessed portion 165 retains a thickness of
approximately one half that of the unrecessed portion 175. Thus,
when embodiments including a recess 165 are aligned and engaged,
the resulting connection is flush along the length of the linking
element. FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of how linking ends 110,
110' including recess 165 can be connected. Here, one linking end
110 is arranged such that the recessed surface 165 is on the rear
surface 180 of the end, and the other 110' is arranged such that
the recessed surface 165 is on the front surface 185 of the end.
When the linking ends 110, 110' are placed immediately adjacent to
one another, the connection apertures 120 can be aligned and the
recesses receive each other. One can see that a flush connection
can be established if the ledges 170 and operative ends 190 of the
coupled linking ends 110, 110' are generally the same thickness.
Some decorative accessory units including such recess features can
include at least one rearward oriented recess and at least one
frontward oriented recess, so that consecutive elements need not be
installed upside-down.
[0031] Exemplary connectors 200 according to embodiments of the
invention are shown in FIGS. 4-7. Each connector generally includes
a decorative portion 205 and an engaging portion 210. Connectors
200 should be generally rigid, and can comprise, for example, a
plastic, hard rubber, or metal. The decorative portion 205 and
engaging portion 210 need not comprise the same material. The
connectors 200 can be used to connect successive selected
decorative accessory units to form a decorative accessory
assemblage. The connectors should provide for relatively simple
connections to be formed so that embodiments of the invention are
usable as craft projects or accessories for users of a wide range
of ages, e.g. from young children to adults. According to some
embodiments of the invention, the connectors are decorative and can
provide an additional design element to a user creating a
decorative assemblage. Thus, rather than using plain connector
elements to couple successive accessory units, additional design
elements can be injected by using a creative selection of
connectors.
[0032] The decorative portion 205 of each connector can be a
generally planar surface of a variety of standard or custom shapes.
For example, decorative portions 205 can be circular (e.g. FIG. 4),
heart-shaped (e.g. FIG. 5), football-shaped (e.g. FIG. 6), or
rectangular (e.g. FIG. 7), for example. Appropriately sized
decorative portions are broad enough so as not to slip through a
connection aperture, yet small enough so as not to distract from
design features of the decorative accessory unit. For example, a
connector's decorative portion can be larger than 0.5 square cm and
less than 4 square centimeters (e.g. 1 square cm). In various
embodiments, the decorative portion 205 can include design features
215. For example, a relief design or drawing, for example, the
stitches 215 on the football shaped connector 200 of FIG. 6.
Moreover, a team logo, company name, image, or other design 205 may
be printed, etched, engraved, molded, painted, or otherwise
displayed on the decorative portion 205 (see e.g. FIG. 7). In
addition, the decorative portion 205 can be flat or it may have a
three-dimensional shape such as the surface of ornament 135 shown
in FIG. 2. The connectors 200 may be provided with light emitting
elements and/or sound emitting elements, for example, to further
enhance the design and its versatility. Scratch and sniff elements
may also be incorporated into the connectors and/or body 105.
[0033] The engaging portion 210 of the connectors 200 protrudes
from a surface of the decorative portion 205. The engaging portion
can be integrally formed of the decorative portion or may be a
separate component coupled thereto. Thickness T and length L
dimensions of the protrusion should be selected according to
properties of the decorative assembly unit(s) in which the
connector is to be installed. The thickness T should be slightly
greater than the dimension of the connection apertures, and the
length L should be slightly longer that the combined thickness of
the linking ends to be connected. For example, a connector to be
installed in two linking ends each having a thickness of 0.5 cm and
connection apertures having a diameter of 0.5 cm should be greater
than 1 cm in length (e.g. 1.2 cm) and greater than 0.5 cm thick
(e.g. 0.6 cm). Engaging portion 210 can take numerous forms, such
as a loop (see e.g. FIG. 4) or a post (see e.g. FIG. 7). In
addition, some engaging portions include additional features to
secure the connector once installed. These features can include,
for example a collar or flange 220 (see e.g. FIG. 5), or a bulb 225
(see e.g. FIG. 6). The type of engaging portion used can depend
upon the security/permanence of the connection desired, the
connection aperture design and the material of the linking ends.
For example, where the connection aperture engages the connector
relatively loosely, for example with some circular apertures, it
may be desirable to use a connector including an additional
securing feature such as a flange.
[0034] It should be recognized that the embodiments of FIGS. 4-7
merely represent examples of connectors within the scope of the
invention and these examples are by no means meant to be
exhaustive. One of ordinary skill will recognize numerous other
designs, configurations, and combinations, all of which should be
considered within the scope of invention.
[0035] FIGS. 10A and 10B show perspective and side plan views,
respectively, of a decorative accessory assemblage 300 according to
some embodiments of the invention. The assemblage 300 includes a
plurality of decorative accessory units 100 the linking ends 110 of
which are connected by connectors 200. One or more bodies 105 of
the decorative accessory units 100 can include an ornament 135
installed within an aperture 130.
[0036] A decorative assemblage 300 can be formed by coupling two or
more decorative accessory units 100. To accomplish this, a user can
align a connection aperture 120 of a first linking end 110 with a
connection aperture of a second linking end 110'. Then, as shown in
FIG. 10B, the engaging portion 210 of a connector 200 can be
inserted (e.g. by pressing on the decorative portion 205, e.g.
along arrow 305) through the aligned connection apertures, causing
the stretchable material of the linking end to stretch slightly.
When the connector 200 is installed, the apertures attempt to
return to their initial state, thereby gripping the connector 200
in place.
[0037] Some assemblages can include one or more ornaments 135
installed through an aperture 130 of one or more bodies 105.
Ornaments 135 can be installed prior to or after connecting one
decorative accessory unit to another. Exemplary ornaments can
include Jibbitz.TM., Snap-Itz.TM. or Shoe-Doodles.TM. charms, which
are commercially available and have been used as accessories
installable within, for example, CROCS.TM. shoes. Such ornaments
can be installed within the aperture 130 much as they would be
installed within an aperture of a bracelet or shoes. Other
ornaments can include plastic jewels, charms, pins, buttons, and
other decorative accessories.
[0038] The assemblage 300 indicates how embodiments of the
invention can be used as or to create craft projects. The user can
selectively choose desired units and connectors and then connect
the elements as described above. In addition, the user can
optionally determine to include one or more ornaments in the
assemblage. In this manner, a user can create an assemblage of
their own personal design.
[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, a kit
including a plurality of decorative accessory units, connectors,
and/or ornaments (collectively referred to here as elements) can be
provided. Kits can include a number of elements sufficient for
creating one or more decorative assemblages. A kit generally
includes a variety of elements so that the user has a choice of
elements to use. Some kits comprise elements having a common theme.
Such themes can be, for example, color-based, subject-based, or
demographically oriented. For example, a demographically themed kit
can include decorative accessory elements relating to a particular
age group, such as young children can be grouped. Ornaments can be
included in kits, and/or may be made separately available.
Moreover, users can acquire ornaments currently available and adapt
them for use with embodiments of the invention.
[0040] While dimensional information has been provided, the
embodiments of the invention are not limited to those specifically
stated and the various pieces may be larger or smaller than those
described.
[0041] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and
variations, which fall within the spirit and broad scope of the
invention.
* * * * *